Meet Our Team
Located in Fenton, Missouri
Our team at Sled & Breakfast are knowledgable in dog behavior and training, and are able to take a hands on role each day while working with your dog in daycare, boarding, or training.
Melissa Chestnut
Owner
As a lifelong resident of south St. Louis County, I am excited to be starting this new business adventure just a few miles from where I grew up. My family always had labradors, so after rescuing our first husky, I quickly learned that this was the breed I was meant to have. I was born a dog lover. My favorites are the big, slobbery, hairy, snugglers that think they are lap dogs. I have never met a dog I didn’t like and have always wanted to work at a place where I was surrounded by them. I feel very fortunate to now be able to own a business focused on the four-legged friends that I love.
Since graduating from Mizzou, I have worked in small businesses and as an entrepreneur. Before having my daughter, I was co-owner of a family construction business. Now that she’s getting older, it feels like the perfect time to combine my business knowledge and passion for dogs into Sled & Breakfast. My other passion is scuba diving and all things in the ocean; my husband, daughter and I love to travel any chance we get. I’m sure you’ll get to meet them both along with our three rescue dogs, Hearty, Sparkle, and Bob around the daycare.
Jill Donart
Director of Marketing
My family moved to St Louis just before they had me, so I was born and raised here. We didn’t have pets growing up, so I spent a majority of my free time at my next door neighbor’s house with her 2 rough collies and several cats. This developed my pure love for animals. I knew I was going to have pets the minute I moved out on my own. And I sure did, when I got my first cat, Bugs, as a kitten then two years later adopted a senior cat, Daisy. When the timing was right, I got my first puppy, a miniature dachshund named Tiziana and only months later, crazy me got my 2nd puppy, a rough collie named Lombardi.
I’ve been with Sled & Breakfast since December 2022 and I’m thankful every day for the opportunity to love on all of the sweet pups that come through our door! I’ve found my calling working with animals and great people and I would not change a thing. If I’m not working, I’m most likely exploring another city across the country or singing and dancing at a concert.
Hailey Pirkle
Lead Manager
I’ve grown up in the Jefferson County area my whole life, taking in stray animals. My mom would always warn me on the drive home that a stray dog or cat was hanging around the house, and we weren’t going to keep them (we did indeed keep them). When I turned 18, I got my very own dog, Brewsky (German shepherd) who was 6 weeks old. When he turned 3 he started showing signs of people reactivity, which challenged me and made me want to not only work with dogs, but advocate for our fur babies! I took in my long haired tabby who was a stray in my neighborhood, his name is Binx.
I’ve worked at Sled & Breakfast since April of 2023 which led me to get my husky, Aries.
Before working at Sled, I worked as a manager in Child Care and an at home aide for my grandmother. I have a passion for taking care of others and dogs, which I got the opportunity to put the two together here at Sled & Breakfast. I love our team & the doggos, I can’t wait to love on all your fur babies!
River Robinson
Manager
After living in a small town in central Illinois my whole life, I moved to Fenton with my family in 2020. As a kid it was my dream to work with animals. I had pets of all kinds my entire life, from dogs and cats, to lizards and a chinchilla. I love all types of dogs of course, but I tend to gravitate to the mutts!
When I heard Sled and Breakfast was opening, I knew it would be a perfect fit for me! At the time I was caring for our elderly dogs, Murphy and Peyton, and I wanted to use the skills I’d learned to make sure other dogs could have a fun and safe time during their stays away from home.
Working with the team at Sled and Breakfast has been incredible. Everyone brings their own knowledge and experience with them, and the dogs are always the priority. I’m very proud to work with so many kind and understanding people.
Outside of work, I spend a lot of time playing with my own dogs at home and taking care of my fish tanks!
Liz McFadin
Manager
Growing up, I always had a love for animals. There wasn’t a stuffed animal I didn’t have! When I was eight years old, my parents surprised me with my first dog. He was a yellow lab named Baron and that is where my love for dogs all began!
I started working at my first boarding facility in a small town in Illinois and I instantly knew I wanted to work with dogs as a career. I’m so glad I found Sled & Breakfast because I love coming to work everyday.
I have four pets: Roman (Rottweiler), Oliver (cat), and two guinea pigs, Meeka and Nala. In my free time, I enjoy being with my family, my boyfriend, and my animals. I love getting to know your fur babies and being able to meet all of the new pups!
Tamra Kohl
Manager
I have always loved dogs, they give me so much joy. I have 3 dogs myself: Rosco, Jojo, and Moo-Moo. I’m married to my husband, Joe. I have 1 daughter, 2 sons, and a grandbaby!
When I’m not working, I love going to parks, rivers, and going camping.
Chloee Perkins
Office Manager
I have been with Sled & Breakfast since August 2024 and love what I do! With a lifelong connection to dogs – thanks to my mom and grandma being dog groomers – I’ve grown up surrounded by this world and bring a lot of that experience into my role here.
As a proud owner of two pits, Louie and Zorrah, my love for dogs is undeniable. I truly cherish my job, the pups, and the wonderful clients that I get to work with everyday.
When I’m not at work, you usually find me playing with my dogs, training or working with them, or just relaxing at home together.
Christy Griffin
Director of Training
